Ajuda's Botanical Garden, the oldest in Portugal, was built in 1768 by order of Marquês de Pombal after the 1755 earthquake. Located in the Ajuda neighborhood of Lisbon, it was originally part of the royal family's temporary lodgings and served as a gathering point for species brought back by Portuguese explorers. Overlooking the Tagus River and the 25th of April Bridge, the garden features a geometric design typical of the time, with century-old trees, lakes, porcelain flower pots, and an 18th-century fountain decorated with writhing serpents, winged fish, sea horses and mythical creatures and many plants and flowers. One of its highlights is a scent garden designed for the blind. The garden also contains four hothouses, with one now functioning as a restaurant.
The entrance, through green wrought-iron gates in a pink wall, is easy to miss.
Opening hours: Summer (1st May to 30th September) from 9 to 20:00.
In the month of April from 9 to 19:00.
Winter (1st October to 31st March) 9 to 18:00.
Closed 25th December and 1st of January
How to get there:
Buses – 727, 729, 732
Tram- 18
Entrance fee: Adults – 2€
Seniors and students – 1€
Children under 7 and students and employees of ISA – Free entry
Address: Calçada da Ajuda
Contact: 213 622 503
